I haven’t done a post like this since 2010, but I was looking through style.com and I noticed that they finally have their Spring 2012 trend forecasts up. I will be doing a couple of posts like these and fashion videos the moment my semi-annual favourite Harper’s Bazaar issue hits the stands! Hopefully, I’ll have the time. Enough ramble and on to the trends.
There are a few that I am iffy about, but I guess there is a trend for everyone to follow. I have noticed a few all-black ensembles and I would say there is definitely some Goth in the upcoming trends that I have not mentioned below. I’m in love with anything vampy, so that’s amazing. It’s also interesting to see how our beloved bright red, coral and orange lip hues have come back to complement the retro looks of the 2012 runway.
Bare Midriff
I’m not excited about the upcoming bare midriff trend that’s coming up. I definitely saw it coming, since a lot of UK bloggers have been flaunting skin from that region. I suppose we can at least be optimistic that people are not baring navel the way they did in 2001 when Britney Spears was at the top of her game.
I think the tasteful way to follow this trend is to keep bottom silhouettes longer and more conservative. Avoid navel baring, but experience with colours. I can see crop tops working well with high-waisted shorts or pants as well. If you opt for a shorter bottom, then cover up with a long light-weight cardigan.
50s Silhouettes
Pencils skirts are a definite must along with a thin belt to accent the waistline. It’s refreshing to see a more lady-like way of dressing coming back. Though, it’s not my cup of tea. There have been a lot more conservative necklines on the runway and knee-length apparel. I am however enjoying the colour palette this season and the bold lips that complement these 50s inspired looks.
20s Deco Period
I felt like they took inspiration from both art and the way of dressing in the 20s. On the one hand, we see the influences of art deco which is based on mathematical geometric shapes. I love the way long outerwear complemented the shorts in Etro’s outfit. On the other, we see the stunning geometric shapes exemplified with the black detailing of that gorgeous Dior gown.
Sportswear
This theme was characterized by leisure wearing fabrics, comfortable silhouettes and pops of vibrant colour. I wasn’t impressed with this at all. I felt like most shows depicted an impractical way of wearing this trend. Alexander Wang made an iconic Spring collection in 2010 that was more along the lines of collegiate sportswear with colours such as heather grey. It seems as though this season’s sportswear was more along the lines of mesh gear and flashy windbreakers, don’t even ask.
Water World
I totally love the feel of the embellishments and fin textured fabrics. I am imagining opal jewellery and nail polish lacquers for some reason. We saw some much glitter and embellishment this fall/winter and I feel like it’s about time that we see some of that in the summer. Sure, we often see beadwork, but this is a lot more glam. This theme of trends also included anything that had marine prints or colours such as blue, pastel pinks, purples and greens.
Pastels
Pale hues are making a massive come back, while last summer it was all about colour blocking. One of this season’s biggest colours trends is mint green and light blue. I love these shades because they are less intimidating to wear than bright shades but they also make your complexion luminous. I noticed that last year there was a trend with wearing black and white. I also love the contrast between pastel and black or dark colours such as burgundy or navy.